THE : HESPERIAN
SI
Cn.pLu.iu .JiileK.
Everybod' conceded that Jules should have
the booby prize. He himself expected little
else. He admitted that his men were an un
gainly lot who could never "hep" and do a
"right-shoulder" at one aud the same time.
It was most certainly an unpromising lot.
Long-legged, awkward fellows, without ca
dence or rhythm in a single motion. "As
bad as 'D'" was the bitterest word any Cap
tain in the battalion could say when his own
company needed dressing down.
Many criticised "D" for entering at all,
and spoiling what might otherwise be an al
most faultless competitive drill.
"D" had a captain. Ho was resolved,
like the noble Duke of York, that whenever
he marched his men up a hill he would invar
iably march them down again. Jules declar
ed that "D" should compete by all means.
1 1 ml 1
?
The ampithcatrc was packed. People cran
cd their necks, as "B." fresh from its band
box, marched out, aud with short snappy
step and dazzling cadence set the pace for
the other companies. Without a halt or a
skip "B" retired in glory from the Held, and
wc all cheered. Then "A" followed, and
went through the prescribed manoeuvres,
and "C" likewise, but they strove only for
second place. Betting was five to cue on "B."
Last of all came ('D." It strove, for noth
ing. A pond of water from the heavy rain
of the night before lay at one edge of the par
ade ground. "D" bc(ran. Then stopped.
Poor Jules had lost his head, and the first or
der brought his company plump up against
the pond, the water lapping the men's boots.
The other companies began to hoot. Jules
thought lie had better do something. "Dis
missed!" was the sharp order, then he walk
ed leisurely around the pond, "Company,
fall in!" was the next.
The Judge lifted his eyebrows qucstion
ingly. Jules replied calmly that if the judge
was ready, he guessed he would begin now
with the competitive drill. What judge would
not admire such brazed effrontery, and would
refuse to erase the black marks from his re
cord caused by the preliminary blundering
order?
A'thrill went through "D" as they sawth
clean white sheets again in the judge's hand.
The company rallied a grim gritty look
came into the men's faces, and , well. "D"
began again.
The gold medal looked beautiful on the blue
uniform of stalwart Captain Jules.
Clakk Oukkmks. .
J. Norman Shrove is in the city for the hol
iday vacation..
S. W. Pinkerton will spend the holidays at
Hcd Oak, Iowa.
The Palladians will elect oHicers Tuesday
afternoon.
A. S. Draper of the University of Illinois
will deliver the Charter Day oration.
E. A. Pillsbury '1)7 who has spent the sum
mer aud fall in Minnesota, is at home now
and makes the University an occasional visit.
Mi. so Jennie l'orst of Peru visited over Sun
day with the Miss Nona and Bertha John
ston. P. II. Thomson entertained the English
club at the rooms of the Tau Alpha Omicron
society Saturday night. The club was large
ly represented and a number of friends were
present.
The members of ihetfiee Club are unusually
hard at work this year. The home concert
will occur some time in February. A trip in
the west will include Denver, Colorado
Springs, Cripple Creek, Pueblo, and Bolder.
The Unions have elected the following offi
cers for the ensuing term: president, II. S.
Evans; vice president, Miss McCune; secretary
Miss Muiiiau; critic, Miss Chappell; corres
ponding secretary, Miss McGufiey; Hergcant-at-arms,
W. G. Kinton.
The University society of Civil Engineers
will -hold a meeting in room eight, University
hall, Thursday, January 5th at 5 p. in., at
which a talk on the subject of "Government
Land Surveys" will be given by A. II. An
drews, president of the society.
Married, On Wednesday Dec. 15, at Mon
roe, Iowa, Alfred F. Baldridge to Miss Lillian
French. M,r. Baldridge is a member of '99.
His many friends wish him unlimited matri
monial bliss. Mr. and Mrs. Baldridge are at
home to friends at 1229 S street.